PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Jared Jones finally made his long awaited return to the mound and it was about as good as he could've possibly hoped for. Jones threw three perfect innings in his first start on his rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton, as they took down the Lakeland Tigers, Single-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, 5-1 at home on April 29. This marked the first start for Jones in a professional game since Sept. 27, 2024. when he made his final start of the 2024 season vs. the Pirates against the New York Yankees at Yankees Stadium. Bradenton isn't where Jones would've wanted to start his 2026 season, but for what he's gone through with season-ending surgery last season, it's not a bad place to begin facing real competition. Jared Jones first rehab start was ELITE 🔥 3.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 5SOs 41 pitches, 30 strikes. Fastball hit 101 🔥 He strikeouts came on - 3 fastballs - 1 slider - 1 changeup Looked as good as ever. And the best part? One. Step. Closer.…